Gangrape case settled for 30 mounds of wheat in Pakistan

A gangrape case in Pakistan has been allegedly settled for a compensation of 30 mounds of wheat by a traditional assembly of leaders.A police case was registered few days ago on complaint of the 14-year-old victim's brother in Ghulam Nabi Shah area of Umerkot district in Sindh province.

The victim's father claimed that following the registration of the case and the subsequent arrest of the main suspect, he was forced to settle the dispute through the 'jirga' (traditional assembly of leaders that make decisions by consensus and according to the teachings of Islam) and was promised a compensation of 30 mounds of wheat, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The 'jirga' was held under the supervision of a local influential landlord, the father said. He said that after he refused to accept the compensation he was forced to leave the area with his family.

He also alleged that since local media highlighted the issue, local elites have been threatening him to keep mum and withdraw the case, the report said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Mirpurkhas division Javed Alam Odho, took notice of the incident and directed Senior superintendent of police of Umerkot to investigate the case and provide protection to the victim's family.

The Station House Officer of Ghulam Nabi Shah, Arif Bhatti, said local police had registered the case on March 21 under Sections 376 (2) and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and has already arrested the prime suspect.

He, however, said he was not aware of any 'jirga' being held.